The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is emphasizing its role in advancing regional trade, innovation, and sustainable investment at the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF). The event, held from November 7 to 16 at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Nigeria, features the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum & Exhibition (ECOTIFE), which is part of the organization’s ongoing ECOWAS@50 celebrations.
The opening ceremony on November 7 brought together senior officials from ECOWAS, diplomats, business leaders from across West Africa, and government representatives. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment. Dr Kalilou Sylla attended as the representative for H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. The Lagos State Government was represented by Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medem, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives. Other attendees included Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat; ECOWAS Commissioners; member state representatives; and members of the diplomatic corps.
The forum aims to bring together policymakers, business leaders, innovators, and development partners to strengthen trade links within West Africa. It seeks to unlock new investment opportunities while highlighting regional creativity that supports economic growth. According to organizers, these efforts reflect ECOWAS’ commitment to deeper integration and inclusive prosperity through stronger trade connections.
“This platform captures the spirit of ECOWAS@50 — the drive to connect markets, empower people, and unlock opportunities that transcend borders,” said H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission (represented by Dr Kalilou Sylla). “ECOTIFE is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of West Africa’s resilience and creativity as we trade, innovate, and grow together.”
“Trade facilitation and investment promotion are central to ECOWAS’ economic integration agenda,” said Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission. “ECOTIFE aligns with our strategic objective to deepen intra-regional trade, strengthen regional value chains, and position West Africa as a competitive and sustainable investment destination.”
During November 7-8 at LITF 2025 expert panels addressed topics such as ‘Facilitating Trade and Digital Transformation.’ These sessions explored technological approaches that could improve market access across West Africa.
The Lagos International Trade Fair remains one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest exhibitions each year. It attracts more than 1,600 exhibitors using over 40,000 square meters of space with annual attendance exceeding half a million visitors. Supported by both Nigeria’s federal government and Lagos State authorities (source), it serves as a major venue for networking among businesses as well as promoting investments and cross-border partnerships.